The Indian River - Malabar to Vero Beach Aquatic Preserve was designated on October 21, 1969 by the Governor and Cabinet. It encompasses 28 miles of the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard and Indian River counties. Historically, there was little freshwater inflow, but development has increased the amount of freshwater inflow through canals and from Turkey, Goat, Kid and Trout Creek as well as the St. Sebastian River. Dredging the Intracoastal Waterway created approximately 55 spoil islands, but many have eroded away into shoals.